A total of 513 people have been hospitalized due to the illness; and two more people have died from the flu in our area, bringing the total number to 11.

The state Department of Health also says the virus is widespread.

The latest numbers show that Westmoreland County has more than 1,500, followed closely by Washington County with nearly 1,200 cases. There are 877 in Beaver County and almost 600 cases in Butler County.

Meanwhile, the latest data from the CDC shows 16 more children died from the flu last week nationwide.

That brings the total number of pediatric deaths to 53 since October.

While the epidemic is easing up in the west, it’s still going strong in the east.

More states are reporting high activity with an uptick in hospitalizations.